Display devices, methods and eyewear incorporating dual display regions and ambient light sensor

ABSTRACT

Displays and eyewear devices incorporating displays are disclosed. One display includes a light source, a first display region, and a second display region. The first display region includes a first contiguous array of pixels. The first contiguous array of pixels includes a first group of pixels and a second group of pixels interspersed with the first group of pixels. The first group of pixels is adapted to emit light from the light source in only a first wavelength band and the second group of pixels is adapted to emit light from the light source in only a second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band. The second display region consists essentially of a second contiguous array of pixels. The second contiguous array of pixels is adapted to emit light from the light source in a predetermined wavelength band.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/391,538 filed on Apr. 23, 2019, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/665,026 filed on May 1, 2018, thecontents of both of which are incorporated fully herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present subject matter relates to display devices and methods, andmore particularly, to near-eye displays for use in eyewear.

BACKGROUND

Portable eyewear devices such as smart glasses integrate displays topresent information to the wearer. The integration of displays intoeyewear presents a number of unique challenges. Such displays shouldavoid or minimize obstruction of the wearer's field of view when notactively presenting information. Nonetheless, such displays shouldpresent information in a clearly discernable and visually appealingfashion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawing figures depict one or more implementations, by way ofexample only, not by way of limitation. In the figures, like referencenumerals refer to the same or similar elements.

FIG. 1 depicts a diagram of a front view of an example display.

FIG. 2 depicts a diagram of a cross-sectional view of the display ofFIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 depicts a functional block diagram of the display of FIG. 1 .

FIGS. 4A and 4B depict a diagram of a perspective view of an eyeweardevice including the display of FIG. 1 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description sets forth numerous specific detailsby way of examples in order to provide a thorough understanding of therelevant teachings. However, those skilled in the art will understandthat they may practice the present teachings without such details. Inother instances, the following sections describe well known methods,procedures, components, and circuitry at a relatively high-level,without detail, in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of thepresent teachings.

The term “coupled” as used herein refers to any logical, optical,physical or electrical connection, link or the like by which signals orlight produced or supplied by one system element travels to anothercoupled element. Unless otherwise described, coupled elements or devicesneed not be directly connected to one another and may be separated byintermediate components, elements or communication media that maymodify, manipulate or carry the light or signals.

The term “emitted” as used herein with respect to light refers to anyform of light transmission, including light generation or creation,pass-through, giving off, discharging, or other communication of lightfrom one point to another. Unless otherwise described, components orelements that emit light need not necessarily generate the emittedlight, but may emit light received from a separate light source.

The following sections describe and depict orientations of displays oreyewear devices or associated components by way of example only, forillustration and discussion purposes. In operation, the discloseddisplays and eyewear devices can take any orientation or directionsuitable to the particular application of the eyewear device, forexample up, down, sideways, or any other orientation. Also, to theextent the follow sections use any directional term, such as front,rear, inwards, outwards, towards, left, right, lateral, longitudinal,up, down, upper, lower, top, bottom and side, those terms do not limitthe direction or orientation of any optic or component of an opticconstructed as otherwise described herein.

The following description sets forth additional objects, advantages andnovel features of the examples. Those skilled in the art will readilyappreciate such concepts upon examination of the following and theaccompanying drawings, or may learn such concepts by production oroperation of the examples. The methodologies, instrumentalities andcombinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims may achievethe objects and advantages of the present subject matter set forthherein, and/or may achieve other additional and undisclosed objects oradvantages.

In one example, a display includes a light source, a first displayregion, and a second display region. The first display region includes afirst contiguous array of pixels. The first contiguous array of pixelsincludes a first group of pixels and a second group of pixelsinterspersed with the first group of pixels. The first group of pixelsis adapted to emit light from the light source in only a firstwavelength band and the second group of pixels is adapted to emit lightfrom the light source in only a second wavelength band different fromthe first wavelength band. The second display region consistsessentially of a second contiguous array of pixels. The secondcontiguous array of pixels is adapted to emit light from the lightsource in a predetermined wavelength band.

In another example, an eyewear device includes a frame and at least onepanel. The frame defines a pair of openings. The panel is positioned inone of the pair of openings. The includes a display as described above.

The following description provides additional detail regarding theexamples illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 depicts a front view of a display 100. As a general overview,display 100 includes a light source 110 and multiple display regions 120and 140. The following paragraphs set forth additional details ofdisplay 100.

Light source 110 generates light. Display 100 uses the light generatedby light source 110 to display information, e.g., in display regions 120and 140. Light source 110 may generate light in one or more separatewavelength bands, and/or may generate light across an entire visiblelight spectrum, e.g., as white light.

Suitable light generating elements for use as light source 110 include,for example, light emitting diodes (LEDs) of all types, includingorganic LEDs and micro LEDs, liquid crystal displays (LCDs),electroluminescent (EL) displays, plasma displays, lasers, and/orcathode ray tubes. Those skilled in the art will know of other lightgeneration technologies usable to implement the light source 110.

Light source 110 may include a single light generating element, or maycombine light from some number of light generating elements, e.g., as inan LED module. Where light source 110 includes multiple light generatingelements, those elements may generate light having the same or differentcharacteristic, such as intensity, correlated color temperature, orother light characteristics.

Display 100 includes separate display regions 120 and 140. As shown inFIG. 1 , display regions 120 and 140 border one another. Display regions120 and 140 may have the same or different areas. For example, displayregion 140 may have approximately 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%,90%, or 100% the size of display region 120. Conversely, display region120 may have approximately 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or100% the size of display region 140. Display 100 need not have only twodisplay regions, but may have any number and/or arrangement of displayregions as desired to present information on display 100.

Display regions 120 and 140 comprise respective arrays of pixels 122 and142, respectively. Display regions 120 and 140 may consist essentiallyof or consist only of pixel arrays 122 and 142. In other words, pixelarrays 122 and 142 at least substantially cover the entirety of theirrespective display regions 120 and 140, however, the display regions mayor may not contain a relatively small number of other pixels that do notmaterially affect the basic and novel properties of the invention. Pixelarrays 122 and 142 can be contiguous arrays, i.e., the pixels in eacharray are adjacent one another. By selectively turning on individualpixels in pixel arrays 122 and 142, i.e. selectively emitting light fromlight source 110, display regions 120 and 140 present information to aviewer. The pixels of pixel arrays 122 and 142 all have the same size,as shown in FIG. 1 .

Display regions 120 and 140 contain and/or consist of transparent orsubstantially transparent materials, such as glass, acrylic, and/orindium tin oxide (ITO), for example. Formation of transparent orsubstantially transparent display regions 120 and/or 140 may enable theuse of display 100 as a near-eye display.

Pixel array 122 includes a first group of pixels 124, a second group ofpixels 126, and a third group of pixels 128. Pixel groups 124, 126, and128 are interspersed with one another, as shown in FIG. 1 . In oneexample, pixel array 122 includes a plurality of pixel rows, with thepixels of pixel groups 124, 126, and 128 alternatingly arranged in eachpixel row. In a particular example, pixel groups 124, 126, and 128 arearranged such that no pixel in pixel group 124 borders another pixel inpixel group 124; no pixel in pixel group 126 borders another pixel inpixel group 126, and no pixel in pixel group 128 borders another pixelin pixel group 128.

The pixels in pixel group 124 emit light from light source 110 in only afirst wavelength band; the pixels in pixel group 126 emit light fromlight source 110 in only a second wavelength band; the pixels in pixelgroup 128 emit light from light source 110 in only a third wavelengthband. The first, second, and third wavelength bands differ from oneanother. The wavelength bands may overlap with one another or mayinclude no overlap. In one example, the first wavelength band includes ablue light band, the second wavelength band includes a green light band,and the third wavelength band includes a red light band.

The pixels in pixel array 142 emit light from light source 110 in apredetermined wavelength band. The predetermined wavelength band maymatch one of the first, second, or third wavelength bands, or may differtherefrom. The predetermined wavelength band may include one or more ofthe first, second, and third wavelength bands. In one example, in whichpixel array 142 emits substantially white light, the predeterminedwavelength band includes blue, green, and red wavelength bands.

Display 100 may employ any process or structure for directing light fromlight source 110 to pixel arrays 122 and 142. Light source 110 may emitlight directly through the pixels of pixel arrays 122 and 142.Alternatively, display 100 may include components which modulate and/orredirect light from light source 110 before the light passes through thepixels of pixel arrays 122 and 142.

FIG. 2 depicts a cross-sectional view of a portion of display 100. FIG.2 shows one example for directing light from light source 110 to one ofpixel groups 124, 126, and 128. Each of pixel groups 124, 126, and 128may include a respective set of the components of FIG. 2 describedbelow. In the example of FIG. 2 , display 100 further includes a filter150, a spatial light modulator 160, and a controller 190. The followingparagraphs set forth additional details of this example of display 100.

Filter 150 filters the light from light source 110. Filter 150 filterslight from light source 110 to block light outside of the respectivewavelength band of the pixel group 124, 126, or 128 which receives lightvia filter 150. For example, filter 150 may allow only blue light topass on to pixel group 124; only green light to pass on to pixel group126; or only red light to pass on to pixel group 128.

Spatial light modulator 160 modulates the light from light source 110.Modulator 160 controls the amount or intensity of light reaching theassociated pixel group 124, 126, or 128. Modulator 160 may control theamount of intensity of light in a binary or variable (stepwise orcontinuously variable) fashion. Modulator 160 separately modulates lightto each of the pixels in the associated pixel group 124, 126, or 128. Inthis respect, modulator 160 has a resolution corresponding to the sum ofthe number of pixels in the associated pixel group 124, 126, or 128.

Those skilled in the art will know of suitable spatial light modulatorsfor use as modulator 160. As one example, spatial light modulator 160 isa liquid crystal over silicon (LCOS) modulator, as shown in FIG. 2 . TheLCOS modulator 160 includes a transparent front electrode 162, at leastone alignment layer 164, a liquid crystal element 166, a rear reflector168, and a silicon substrate 170. Light travels in through thetransparent front electrode 162, the alignment layer 164, and the liquidcrystal element 166, reflects off of rear reflector 168, and travels outthrough liquid crystal element 166, alignment layer 164, and transparentfront electrode 162. To modulate the light, front electrode 162 andcircuitry in the silicon substrate 170 apply a voltage across liquidcrystal element 166.

Display 100 may further include a beam steering element 180. Beamsteering element 180 directs light from light source 110 to modulator160, and/or directs light modulated by modulator 160 to the viewer'seye. Beam steering element 180 may comprise a beam splitter to separateinput light to modulator 160 from output light from modulator 160. Beamsteering element 180 may include one or more reflectors, refractors,focusing elements, or dispersive elements, depending on the design ofdisplay 100. In addition to or in combination with beam steering element180, display 100 may further include one or more polarizing elements topolarize the light, and/or one or more antireflective coatings tominimize reflections, in order to improve visibility of images ondisplay 100. Suitable beam steering elements include, for example,mirrors or prisms.

Pixel array 142 may also use a set of one or more of the components ofFIG. 2 to receive light from light source 110. Pixel array 142 may havean associated spatial modulator 160 to control the amount or intensityof light emitted by pixel array 142. Pixel array 142 may have anassociated filter 150 to filter light from light source 110.Alternatively, where the predetermined wavelength band of pixel array142 corresponds to the range of wavelengths emitted by light source 110(e.g., when using a white light source as light source 110), then filter150 may be omitted from the path of light from light source 110 to pixelarray 142.

Controller 190 controls the operation of display 100. FIG. 3 showsoperative connections between controller 190 and the remainingcomponents of display 100. As shown in FIG. 3 , controller 190 controlsthe operation of light source 110 and operation of each spatial lightmodulator 160. Controller 190 controls the operation of light source 110and modulators 160, e.g., to generate a desired image in the first andsecond display regions 120 and 140. Controller 190 may take the form ofa single master controller performing the operations recited herein, asshown in FIG. 3 , or may take a distributed form as a number of separatecontrol elements.

Display 100 may further include an ambient light sensor 192 incommunication with controller 190. Ambient light sensor 192 senses anambient light level in a region of the display 100. Those skilled in theart will know of suitable sensors for use as ambient light sensor 192.

Controller 190 controls an intensity of light emitted by light source110 or received by pixel groups 124, 126, 128 or pixel array 142 basedon an ambient light level sensed by ambient light sensor 192. In oneexample, when the ambient light level lies below a predetermined value,controller 190 controls the intensity of light emitted by light source110 or received by pixel groups 124, 126, 128 or pixel array 142 so thatthe intensity of the pixels in pixel array 122 approximately matches(e.g., plus/minus 10%) the intensity of the pixels in pixel array 142,and/or the intensity of light emitted from display region 120approximately matches (e.g., plus/minus 10%) the intensity of lightemitted from display region 140. Conversely, when the ambient lightlevel exceeds a predetermined value, controller 190 controls theintensity of light emitted by light source 110 or received by pixelgroups 124, 126, 128 or pixel array 142 so that the intensity of thepixels in pixel array 142 exceeds (e.g., by more than 10%) the intensityof the pixels in pixel array 122, and/or the intensity of light emittedfrom display region 140 exceeds (e.g., by more than 10%) the intensityof light emitted from display region 120.

The above-described components of display 100 may all form part of asingle device, substantially as shown in FIGS. 1-3 . Those skilled inthe art will understand that such a self-contained display 100 mayinclude additional components not described herein, e.g., a powersupply, a memory, and/or other components.

Alternatively, the components of display 100 may be distributed acrossmultiple separate structures. For example, light source 110 and displayregions 120 and 140 are separate, and light source 110 conveys light todisplay regions 120 and 140 either through the air or via one or morelight guides. For another example, controller(s) 190 and spatialmodulators 160 are separate, and controller 190 controls thesecomponents via wired or wireless transmissions. Those skilled in the artwill appreciate other arrangements of the components of display 100.

According to the above examples, display region 120 includes groups ofpixels configured to emit different wavelength bands of light, whereasdisplay region 140 may include an array of pixels configured to emit asingle wavelength band of light. In these examples, display 100 maycombine the different wavelength bands of light emitted in displayregion 120 to create full color or approximately full color images indisplay region 120. For example, display 100 may combine a respectiveblue, green, and red pixel in pixel array 122 to form a full-color pointor dot of the image. Conversely, display 100 may utilize a monochromepixel array 142 in region 140 to create images having a higherresolution, due to the absence of any need to combine multiple pixels inpixel array 142 to form a single image point or dot. Likewise, display100 may create brighter images in display region 140, due to the absenceof any need for a filter between the light source 110 and pixel array142.

FIGS. 4A and 4B a perspective view of an eyewear device 200. As ageneral overview, eyewear device 200 includes a frame 210 and one ormore panels 220. The following paragraphs set forth additional detailsof eyewear device 200.

Frame 210 includes a pair of rims 212 which define respective openings.The openings defined by rims 212 sit in front of a user's eyes when theuser wears eyewear device 200. Rims 212 may completely surround orencircle their respective openings, as shown in FIG. 4A, or may onlypartially surround or encircle their respective openings.

Frame 210 may further include a bridge 214 connecting between rims 212,and a pair of arms 216 extending from respective rims 212. Bridge 214sits in place on the upper part of a user's nose when the user wearseyewear device 200. Arms 216 extend along the sides of the user's head,and may rest on the user's ears, when the user wears eyewear device 200.Arms 216 may rigidly connect to rims 212, or may connect to rims 212 viahinges to enable folding of arms 216.

Panels 220 are positioned within respective ones of the openings definedby rims 212 of frame 210. Panels 220 cover an area in front of theuser's eyes when the user wears eyewear device 200.

At least one of the panels 220 is a waveguide coupled to a respectivedisplay 100. Further, in this example, portions of frame 210, e.g., rims212, bridge 214, and/or legs 216, may support and/or house components ofdisplay 100, including for example, light source 110, controller 190,and/or a power supply of display 100. The waveguide may be, for example,diffractive, holographic, or reflective. Suitable material for forming apanel 220 as a waveguide will be known from the description herein

Where only one panel 220 is coupled to a display 100, the other panel220 may take any other form, or may be omitted. Alternative panels 220may contain or consist of transparent, translucent, or tinted materials,and/or may take the form of a lens, if desired.

Those skilled in the art will understand that the terms and expressionsused herein have the ordinary meaning accorded to such terms andexpressions with respect to their corresponding respective areas ofinquiry and study except where this description otherwise sets forthspecific meanings. Relational terms such as first and second and thelike solely distinguish one entity or action from another, and do notnecessarily require or imply any actual such relationship or orderbetween such entities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,”“includes,” “including,” or any other variation thereof, cover anon-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, orapparatus that comprises or includes a list of elements or steps doesnot include only those elements or steps but may include other elementsor steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method,article, or apparatus. An element preceded by “a” or “an” does not,without further constraints, preclude the existence of additionalidentical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus thatcomprises the element.

Unless otherwise stated, any and all measurements, values, ratings,positions, magnitudes, sizes, and other specifications set forth in thisspecification, including in the claims that follow, are approximate, notexact. Such amounts have a reasonable range consistent with thefunctions to which they relate and with any customary understanding inthe art to which they pertain. For example, unless expressly statedotherwise, a parameter value or the like may vary by as much as ±10%from the stated amount.

In addition, the foregoing description group various features togetherin various examples for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. Thismethod of disclosure does not reflect an intention that the claimedexamples require more features than those expressly recited in eachclaim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, the subject matterprotected lies in less than all features of any single disclosedexample. Thus, the Detailed Description hereby incorporates thefollowing listing of claims, with each claim standing on its own as aseparately claimed subject matter.

While the foregoing description includes that which is considered thebest mode and other examples, the description sets forth only some ofall possible and various modifications contemplated. Those skilled inthe art may implement the subject matter disclosed herein in variousforms and examples, and may apply the subject matter disclosed herein innumerous applications. The following claims cover any and allmodifications and variations that fall within the true scope of thepresent concepts.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An eyewear device comprising: a displaysystem comprising; a light source; a first display region comprising afirst contiguous pixel array configured to emit light from the lightsource; a second display region separate from the first display region,the second display region comprising a second contiguous pixel arrayconfigured to emit light from the light source and adjacent the firstcontiguous pixel array; an ambient light sensor configured to sense anambient level; and a controller coupled to the ambient light sensor andthe light source, the controller configured to adjust intensity of lightemitted by the adjacent first and second contiguous pixel arrays basedon the ambient light level, such that the intensity of light emitted bythe adjacent first and second contiguous pixel arrays does match eachother when the ambient light level is below a predetermined value andthe intensity of light emitted by the adjacent first and secondcontiguous pixel arrays does not match each other when the ambient lightlevel is not below the predetermined value; and a frame supporting thedisplay system.
 2. The eyewear device of claim 1, wherein the framedefines an opening, the eyewear device further comprising: at least onewaveguide positioned in the at least one opening, the at least onewaveguide coupled to receive light emitted by the display system.
 3. Theeyewear device of claim 1, wherein the frame defines a pair of openings,the eyewear device further comprising: a pair of panels positioned inrespective ones of the pair of openings; wherein at least one of thepair of panels is a waveguide coupled to receive light emitted by thedisplay system.
 4. The eyewear device of claim 1, wherein the controllercontrols the intensity of light emitted by the light source to controlthe intensity of light emitted by the first and second contiguous pixelarrays.
 5. The eyewear device of claim 1, wherein the controllercontrols the intensity of light received by the first and secondcontiguous pixel arrays to control the intensity of light emitted by thefirst and second contiguous pixel arrays.
 6. The eyewear device of claim1, wherein the intensity of light emitted by the first and secondcontiguous pixel arrays matches when it is less than 10 percentdifferent.
 7. The eyewear device of claim 1, wherein the intensity oflight emitted by the first and second contiguous pixel arrays does notmatch when it is greater than 10 percent different.
 8. The eyeweardevice of claim 1, wherein the first contiguous pixel array includes afirst group of pixels and a second group of pixels interspersed with thefirst group of pixels, the first group of pixels adapted to emit lightfrom the light source in a first wavelength band and the second group ofpixels adapted to emit light from the light source in a secondwavelength band different from the first wavelength band.
 9. The eyeweardevice of claim 8, wherein the first contiguous pixel array furtherincludes a third group of pixels adapted to emit light in a thirdwavelength band different from the first and second wavelength bands.10. The eyewear device of claim 9, wherein the first wavelength bandcomprises a blue light band, the second wavelength band comprises agreen light band, and the third wavelength band comprises a red lightband.
 11. The eyewear device of claim 10, wherein the second contiguouspixel array includes a fourth group of pixel adapted to emit light in awhite light wavelength band.
 12. The eyewear device of claim 10, whereinthe second contiguous pixel array consists of a fourth group of pixeladapted to emit light in a white light wavelength band.
 13. The eyeweardevice of claim 9, wherein the first contiguous pixel array comprises aplurality of pixel rows, and the first, second, and third groups ofpixels are alternatingly arranged in each of the plurality of pixelrows.
 14. The eyewear device of claim 13, wherein the first, second, andthird groups of pixels are arranged such that no pixel in the firstgroup borders another pixel in the first group, no pixel in the secondgroup borders another pixel in the second group, and no pixel in thethird group borders another pixel in the third group.
 15. The eyeweardevice of claim 8, further comprising, for each of the first and secondgroups of contiguous pixels: a filter configured to filter light fromthe light source to block light outside the respective wavelength bandof the respective group of pixels; and a spatial light modulatorconfigured to modulate light from the light source.
 16. The eyeweardevice of claim 15, further comprising, for each of the first and secondgroups of contiguous pixels: a first beam steering element configured todirect light from the light source to the spatial light modulator, and asecond beam steering element configured to direct light from the spatiallight modulator to a viewer.
 17. A method for use with an eyewear devicecomprising a display system, the method comprising: sensing an ambientlight level; and adjusting intensity of light emitted by adjacent firstand second contiguous pixel arrays of the display system based on theambient light level, such that the intensity of light emitted by theadjacent first and second contiguous pixel arrays does match each otherwhen the ambient light level is below a predetermined value and theintensity of light emitted by the adjacent first and second contiguouspixel arrays does not match each other when the ambient light level isnot below the predetermined value.
 18. The method of claim 17, whereinthe eyewear device includes a frame defining an opening and at least onewaveguide positioned within the opening, the method further comprising:directing the emitted light into the at least one waveguide.
 19. Themethod of claim 17, wherein the eyewear device includes a frame defininga pair of openings and a pair of panels positioned in respective ones ofthe pair of openings, the method further comprising: directing theemitted light into at least one of the pair of panels.
 20. The method ofclaim 17, wherein the intensity of light emitted by the first and secondcontiguous pixel arrays matches when it is less than 10 percentdifferent.